From reigns as World tag and trios champion with The Acclaimed to his current membership in The Opps, AEW’s Anthony Bowens has continually made a strong impression on wrestling fans. In this PWIdigital exclusive, “The Pride Of Pro Wrestling” reflects on his evolving role in All Elite Wrestling
PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE DINH
TEXT BY LIZZY FLANAGAN
I DON’T THINK I’D be alone in saying that June feels more important than it has in recent years. Of course, Pride Month is always important, but in an increasingly hostile political climate, it offers a reminder that progress can’t come without a fight.
Queerness and professional wrestling have a complicated history, to say the least. Historically speaking, queerness was only portrayed in wrestling through caricatures, meant to mock and demonize the LGBTQ community. Things began to change in the early-2010s as athletes such as Fred Rosser (known in WWE as Darren Young) made themselves authentically known and shifted the public’s perception of what a pro wrestler can look like.
PHOTO BY KEVIN McELVANEY
Today, boundaries continue to be broken by wrestlers such as Toni Storm, Indi Hartwell, Mike Bailey, and the newest member of The Opps, Anthony Bowens. I was fortunate enough to speak with Bowens about his decision to join Samoa Joe’s group, the importance of representation, and his relationship with AEW’s fan base.
And really, who better to talk to during Pride Month than the “Pride Of Pro Wrestling” himself? Anthony Bowens came out to the public through a YouTube video he made with his partner, Michael Pavano, back in 2017. Before that, he said he was out to friends and family “on a need-to-know basis.” The first person he ever told was his best friend, an experience he would later refer to as “petrifying.” “I was so nervous he thought I was dying,” Bowens said. “But he was really supportive.”
But there’s a big difference between coming out to friends and family and being out to millions of people across the globe. Bowens, for his part, has been largely embraced by the AEW faithful. It’s been a refreshing change to witness as a queer wrestling fan. With that in mind, I asked the former tag team champion whether this reception came as a surprise. “No, not at all,” he said. “We have the coolest fans in the world. Every now and then, you’ll get a knucklehead yelling stupid stuff, but there’s always gonna be people like that in the world.”
We spoke in particular about the interaction between The Acclaimed and Harley Cameron on the June 23, 2023, edition of Rampage. In that memorable segment, Cameron came onto Bowens, who shut down her advances by asking, “Did you get kicked in the head too many times by a kangaroo when you were a kid?” before telling her, matter-of-factly, “I’m gay!”
The audience in attendance roared with laughter and applause before breaking into a supportive chant of “He’s gay! He’s gay!” It was a shockingly wholesome moment that drove home just how far wrestling (and society in general) has come these past few decades.
“I didn’t realize how big of a reaction it would get,” Bowens told me. “I especially didn’t think it would go viral every year, and that it would make so many people so happy. AEW has fostered an amazing fan base.”
A lot has changed since 2023, though. The Acclaimed have since gone their separate ways (an attempted reunion between Max Caster & Anthony Bowens, orchestrated by ECW legend and AEW coach Jerry Lynn, didn’t pan out). Instead, “The Pride Of Pro Wrestling” cast his lot with Samoa Joe and The Opps, the same faction that used underhanded tactics to cost fan favorite “Hangman” Adam Page the AEW Men’s World championship at Full Gear 2025.
Bowens wasn’t worried about whether his villainous turn would damage his relationship with AEW fans. Instead, his focus was on the need to better himself. “Part of wrestling is not relying on one thing and constantly evolving,” he noted, viewing the new alliance as a way to advance his career. And if he were to feel nostalgic and yearn to “scissor” again down the road? “There’s always the option to go back whenever you want to.”
Anthony Bowens and Max Caster, after reforming The Acclaimed as an uneasy alliance at the behest of Jerry Lynn. (PHOTO BY GEORGE NAPOLITANO)
Since becoming an Opp, Anthony Bowens has embraced a more vicious in-ring style. This comes as no surprise, considering the ruthlessness of Opps leader Samoa Joe. Bowens spoke highly of the two-time AEW Men’s World champion. “Joe is a legend in the business,” he said. “He’s brought out a more violent, serious side of me.” In the ring, Joe has taught Anthony to work “a little bit more on the aggressive side, and clearly it works. I wasn’t winning much before that.”
One of the defining features of Bowens’ new style is his brand-new, yet-to-be-named submission maneuver, crafted in tribute to fellow New Jersey native Mario Bokara (a wrestler Bowens believes never got the credit he deserves).
With his new ring style and no-nonsense attitude, Bowens is reshaping himself into a dangerous contender. “I’m taking all the puzzle pieces and putting them together,” he said. “A lot of wrestling is trial and error, but that’s a lot harder when you have to do it on live TV.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgRJVehIqhU
It’s tough to think of two men with more varied philosophies on professional wrestling than Bowens’ past and current mentors, Billy Gunn and Samoa Joe. “Joe prioritizes violence, Billy prioritizes entertainment,” Bowens noted. “I’m lucky enough to be able to blend those two worlds together and find what works for me.”
With his decision to join The Opps, Bowens also unlocked an opportunity to work with one of his closest allies outside of the ring, Hook. But, with Samoa Joe temporarily out of the picture, their relationship is showing some early signs of strain now that they’re teammates.
“Hook is one of my best friends, but I have been having my issues with [him],” admitted Bowens. “He seems to think he’s the leader of The Opps now, which I disagree with. I’m the one who should be leading this faction to the future.”
Anthony Bowens is flanked by Billy Gunn during his surprise return at AEW Dynasty 2025. (PHOTO BY KEVIN McELVANEY)
Still, the new Opps recruit remains optimistic about the partnership … at least for now. “This happens in friendships,” he added. “I’m happy to be working with him.”
With the group’s menacing leader away from AEW TV, will The Opps aim to shore up its reduced numbers with a new member? “I gotta give Joe a call about that,” Bowens said. “I think I would do a better job than Hook did, but Joe’s the one who gets the final say.”
When pressed further, Bowens added, “I have two people in mind, but I won’t say their names here. We’ll keep it a mystery for now.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFkgvF-oDgQ
Anthony Bowens’ mind isn’t solely on Opps business. He remembers what it was like to be a kid, dreaming of being a pro wrestler but not having any openly gay role models to look up to. And he’s grateful for the fans—some of whom are aspiring wrestlers from the LGBTQ community—who remain in his corner.
His message to them:
“I thank them for supporting me. I hope I can make a difference. If you’re wondering if you can do this, I’m here to tell you that you can. You have me, and you have a slew of other LGBTQ wrestlers now, helping make wrestling a safer space.”
This is an exciting time to be an AEW fan. It’s an exciting time for the athletes, too. Anthony Bowens, a former collegiate baseball player and baseball fanatic, is particularly excited for Brawl in the Ballpark, coming up on July 10 at Target Field. Ever the company man, he encourages fans to tune in—and hopes to see further collaboration between AEW and MLB in the future.
Since joining The Opps Anthony Bowens has been batting one thousand. While we can’t predict the future, this writer is confident that the “Pride Of Pro Wrestling” will knock this opportunity out of the park.
SPOTLIGHT MATCH: Lee Moriarty vs Cheeseburger (“The Exhibition,” Labor of Love, 4/25/26) The longest-reigning Pure champion in Ring of Honor history makes another remarkable defense in the city that ROH once called home.
TEXT BY LIZZY FLANAGAN PHOTOS BY KEVIN McELVANEY
Lee Moriarty enters the ring for another defense of his ROH Pure title.
SINCE WINNING THE ROH PURE championship from Wheeler YUTA at Death Before Dishonor 2024, Lee Moriarty has quietly amassed an undeniable reputation as one of the best competitors in the division’s history. He is the longest-reigning Pure champion of all-time, with nearly 700 days as champion under his belt at the time of this writing (Nigel McGuinness’ previous record of 351 days has been left in the dust). Despite this massive achievement, the quality of each of Lee’s defenses is even more impressive than the quantity. Indeed, the 15th challenge to his crown—a technical masterclass with ROH veteran Cheeseburger—arguably stands among his finest showings to date.
Lee Moriarty has mastered the science of Pure wrestling. He is in a league of his own, and, in this author’s opinion, he knows it. Over the course of his reign, Moriarty’s inner perfectionist has surfaced. Challenges to his championship feel more like tests than genuine threats. The “TAIGASTYLE” practitioner is a true student of the game who heads into every defense intending to ace it.
Moriarty exchanges words with Cheeseburger, a Ring of Honor original and local fan favorite.
Unfortunately, there are some things that studying tape just can’t prepare you for. Moriarty, the pride of Western Pennsylvania, was heading into Philadelphia on a night when the city’s beloved Flyers were set to play their archrivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Heading into the 2026 playoffs, the Flyers had not reached the postseason since 2021. And, before their victory on Wednesday, April 22, they hadn’t won a playoff game at home in a decade.
To say Philadelphia was excited about the Flyers’ recent run would be a gross understatement. There were brand-new orange flags adorning patios citywide. T-shirts and windbreakers had been pulled out of closets where they had been collecting dust.
So, when Labor of Love ring announcer Brian “Box” Brown introduced Lee Moriarty as hailing from the Steel City, the champion (who is not a hockey fan) was ill-prepared for the onslaught of jeers and boos that rained down on him. I was able to speak briefly with Moriarty after the match, when I asked him if he knew about the ongoing NHL playoffs series. With a sudden look of recognition, he brought a hand up to his forehead. “Oh,” he said softly. “I thought I might get some reaction, but I was like, damn, I didn’t know it was like that!”
Despite his affiliation with the antagonistic Shane Taylor Promotions, it remains rare for Moriarty, a talented ring technician, to find himself on the wrong side of wrestling fans.
With some early momentum, Cheeseburger sends his opponent careening into the turnbuckle.
Moriarty isn’t the first wrestler to face the wrath of Philadelphia, and lord knows he won’t be the last. The context of the NHL playoffs wasn’t the only thing working against him, either; his challenger was a true Philly fan favorite in Cheeseburger. When it comes to influence within the current local wrestling sphere, few men are held in such high regard as the “World Famous CB.” Cheeseburger is a Ring of Honor original, world-traveled veteran, and the respected head coach at the Worldwide Dojo. His extensive international grappling experience has made him adept at any in-ring style, and his connection with the local community has earned him a dedicated following.
Moriarty may have been the loneliest man in the city that night.
Cheeseburger stretches the proud champ, compelling him to take his first rope break.
The bell rang, and the match got underway as one might expect. Lee, a champion in his prime, forced Cheeseburger to use his first rope break just three minutes into the bout after trapping the challenger in the Border City Stretch. He was obviously very pleased with himself, like a cat playing with its food. The tide changed rather quickly, though, as Cheeseburger managed to get Moriarty in a painful, rather humiliating-looking submission hold, with a foot on the champion’s back and both arms wrenched backward. Lee grimaced and bit the middle rope in order to escape.
Referee Adam Gault instructs the challenger to relinquish the hold.
The A+ student could no longer pass this test with a perfect score, as he was down a rope break. Something visibly changed within Moriarty at this point. Cheeseburger offered the champion a hand to help him up, but Moriarty shoved him away, barking insults at his challenger.
The incumbent found himself on his back foot. However, a cornered tiger is the most dangerous. Within another 60 seconds of wrestling, Moriarty forced Cheeseburger to use his second rope break with an inverted butterfly deathlock. A mounted rear-naked choke forced the third a few moments later.
Evidently embarrassed, Moriarty bites back at Cheeseburger with an inverted gutwrench suplex.
Cheeseburger has virtually no choice but to once again grab the rope.
With Cheeseburger out of rope breaks, the match took on a “sudden death” feel. It was then that “World Famous CB” kicked the action into a higher gear, catching the younger competitor with several roll-up attempts. The audience bit hard when Cheeseburger trapped Moriarty with a seatbelt pin, a maneuver popularized by another Philadelphia native, Wheeler YUTA. Alas, the champion escaped the maneuver just before referee Adam Gault counted three, and the bout continued.
Moriarty was shaken, though. More than that, he seemed angry. A fan in the front row attempted to start a “this is awesome!” chant. Moriarty scowled at him. The champion and challenger exchanged quick, heated blows. At one point the champion, genius technician, resorted to pelting the challenger’s face with open-hand slaps. After a pair of elbows to Cheesburger’s face, the fan favorite went down to his knees. Commentary worried that the bout might end in a technical knockout.
With the challenger out of rope breaks, Moriarty locks in another Border City Stretch.
But the challenger rose to his feet. The pair exchanged a flurry of elbows, knees, and kicks before Moriarty took Cheeseburger to the ground and secured the Border City Stretch once again. Cheeseburger reached the bottom rope, but since he had exhausted all of his rope breaks, the ref couldn’t pull Moriarty off of him.
The champion, however, elected to let Cheeseburger out of the hold anyway. He had a much more brutal finish in mind: Moriarty secured Cheeseburger in the Camel Clutch, using the steel-cable ropes for additional leverage and pressure. His foe had no escape besides submission. It felt eerily similar to how Moriarty had conceded his single rope break in the match, with the victim’s face out of the ring and facing the crowd. Maybe he took that embarrassment personally … and wanted to get even as precisely as he could.
Moriarty exacts his revenge!
Moriarty’s temper had subdued enough for a post-match handshake. He promptly left Cheeseburger in the ring, allowing the crowd a chance to shower the Philadelphia hero with adulation. Moriarty walked quietly through the curtain, title belt over his shoulder.
Despite being a member of the vicious and cunning Shane Taylor Promotions, Lee Moriarty tends to be applauded by fans in most of his appearances. This night marked a rare exception.
When asked how it felt to get on the wrong side of Philadelphia’s notorious wrestling fans, the champion shrugged and smiled warmly. “I am whatever the fans make me,” he said. It’s a statement he proved on this evening, and one that speaks to Moriarty’s dynamism as a performer. But Lee Moriarty is so much more than what fans make him. He is the creation of his own expert artistry.
From her role as an influential veteran grappler to her Dungeon-inspired character honed on the independent circuit, one of the most respected women in the WWE locker room shares stories and useful insight that will appeal to wrestlers and wrestling fans alike.
TEXT BY CANDACE CORDELIA
ONE OF WWE’s CURRENT legends and greats, Natalya “Nattie” Neidhart, is taking her passion for the wrestling business to greater heights on the third season of WWE LFG. Over WrestleMania Week, I sat down with the WWE superstar for an exclusive PWI TV interview, where I got an inside look at Nattie’s role as one of the series’ veteran mentors.
“I ended up getting on with the latest season, and I was so honored that they came to me,” Neidhart reflected.
“I think it’s just continued to teach me about staying open-minded and not judging a book by its cover. And that talent come from different walks of life, and I think that unique background that each talent brings to the table is what makes them special.”
With an illustrious wrestling career spanning several decades, Neidhart has certainly seen countless in-ring talent from a variety of pedigrees and athletic backgrounds. Despite the many challenges and obstacles that come with a career in professional wrestling, the “BOAT” believes that individuals from different walks can learn how to work within the WWE training tableaux.
The two-time World champion explains, “I like working with people that, [for example], somebody has an indie background. Or somebody was a cheerleader. Or somebody did track and field, or somebody was an amateur wrestling champion. I find it really fun to work with people that have different backgrounds, and I think staying open-minded is the way to be.”
Throughout the latest season of WWE LFG, viewers can witness Neidhart mentoring current WWE NXT upstart Kendal Grey, known for her stellar amateur wrestling record and for being voted 2025 Rookie of the Year by PWI readers.
Another thing wrestling fans can look forward to in the show’s third season: the conversations had between the professional mentors, as well as those shared with the developing talent. Neidhart praises the palpable camaraderie throughout each episode, noting the unique, yet valuable, perspective each experienced mentor provides.
“I love how this season is a little bit more collaborative,” she said. “It’s the most collaborative, I feel, of all the seasons. Everybody brings something different to the table, whether it’s myself, Bubba Dudley, Booker T, Kevin Owens … we’re all just bringing something very different to the table. But who’s to say that my way is better than Booker T’s? Who’s to say that Booker’s ideas are better than Kevin Owens’? We all can share our opinions. At the end of the day, we all want to see the talent grow.”
The brick walls are there for a reason. They are there to keep the other people out, the people that don’t want this badly enough.
Natalya neidhart
Among the topics covered in our interview, the self-styled “Lowkey Legend” discussed the power of social media as a tool for pro wrestlers awaiting their next big opportunity, referencing how she used it to promote her widely acclaimed appearances at GCW/Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport events. “The machine isn’t going to get behind every single solitary person. It’s impossible,” she said. “So, you have it within your power with social media. If you’re getting a match, let’s cut a promo for it. … from the very first Bloodsport I did, I was writing a promo, cutting a promo, producing the promo about [TJPW standout] Miyu Yamashita.
“I was like, I’ve gotta tell the story in order to sell this fight, so that when we have the match, everybody understands the story. If there’s no story, there’s no match,” Neidhart continued. “I try to teach that to new, up-and-coming talent, that it’s great to be really, really good in the ring, but be your own best advocate. And I learned that from Paul Heyman. Don’t just wait for people to give you great stuff; fight for your own stuff. Make your own stuff happen, so that you can keep rising up.”
Speaking of fighting for one’s own stuff: While reflecting on her work training with the next generation, the 25-year ring veteran acknowledged another concept she’d like to see take off. “I would absolutely love to have a faction in WWE of women that wanna kick ass,” she said. “Women that I can take under my wing. I think we’re due.”
Of course, wrestling is a tough industry, and it’s no guarantee that even top prospects will find success. “Not everybody is meant to be in this business,” admitted Neidhart. “I say this to talent all the time, especially students that I train at the Dungeon [Neidhart and husband TJ Wilson’s wrestling training facility in Florida]. The brick walls are there for a reason. They are there to keep the other people out, the people that don’t want this badly enough. That’s a famous quote from a book that I love called The Last Lecture.
“I think it’s so true as far as people making it in professional wrestling. Not everybody is meant to do this, and the ones that are meant to do it … they will not only survive, but they will rise to the occasion.”
“WWE LFG” Season 3 Cast/c/o AEGM
Season 3 of “WWE LFG” premieres April 26 at 10 p.m. EDT on A&E.
The full-length interview with Natalya Neidhart can be found on the official PWI YouTube channel (and below). While you’re at it, make sure to read more on Natalya’s thoughts about WWE LFG Season 3, WWE’s flourishing Women’s division, and much more in the upcoming Summer 2026 issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated!
PHOTO COURTESY LINEAGE PRO WRESTLING/MONSTER FACTORY
Tracing its roots to the legendary Buddy Rogers, the Monster Factory remained, for many years, a wellspring of fundamentally sound pro wrestling talent. Today, its legacy lives on by way of a new school and a new promotion founded by its alumni.
TEXT BY LIZZY FLANAGAN
TUCKED AWAY IN THE quiet neighborhood of Paulsboro, New Jersey, there lies a gem of wrestling history. The Paulsboro Wrestling Club is an unsuspecting building—a little worn around the edges, sure, but there is a much deeper story under the surface. From 2011 on, it was home to the Monster Factory, one of the first publicly available wrestling schools established in the United States.
The Factory’s history dates back to 1984, when it was known as the Buddy Rogers Pro Wrestling School. Classes were originally held in a converted hangar at the Burlington County Airport before the school later found its way to Paulsboro. After helping the school get off the ground, the aging veteran Rogers stepped away, leaving it in the hands of coach “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. The school was promptly rechristened as the Champion’s Choice Pro Wrestling School before eventually becoming the Monster Factory. Under this title, Sharpe’s school would achieve international acclaim.
The Factory saw countless aspiring wrestlers walk through its front doors. Some of these wrestlers went on to become major stars: Damian Priest, Preston Vance, QT Marshall, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Steve Maclin, among others. The success of its alumni cemented the Monster Factory as one of the strongest wrestling academies in the country. In 2023, a Vox Media series about the school premiered on Apple TV, bringing further attention to its coaches and students.
The Factory saw countless aspiring wrestlers walk through its front doors. Some of these wrestlers went on to become major stars: Damian Priest, Preston Vance, QT Marshall, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Steve Maclin, among others. The success of its alumni cemented the Monster Factory as one of the strongest wrestling academies in the country. In 2011, the school was taken over by Danny Cage, who relocated it to Paulsboro. And, in 2023, a notable Vox Media series about the Factory premiered on Apple TV, bringing further attention to its coaches and students.
Alas, nothing lasts forever. After 40 years, the Monster Factory closed its proverbial doors on November 22, 2025, with the Paulsboro Wrestling Club remaining in operation as a facility for junior and high school amateur wrestlers. But to say the Factory, with its decades of history, went out on a high note would feel like an understatement; its final show was serendipitously its biggest annual event, Turkey Slam. The show was held at the famous 2300 (ECW) Arena. It was the perfect venue to lay to rest a local beacon of wrestling history.
In the opening match, fans saw the crowning of new Monster Factory tag team champions, Christian Darling & Stevie Brooks. Chris Desmond finally claimed revenge on Notorious Mimi, regaining the Monster Factory heavyweight championship in a Philly streetfight. It was a bloody fairytale ending, suitable for a wrestling school with so much love—so much blood, sweat, and tears—poured into it.
To conclude the affair, trainer Missy Sampson led a touching farewell to the Monster Factory, as well as a send-off for the affiliated promotion’s final set of champions. One thing was clear as the champions laid their belts in the ring: The fans in attendance were eager to follow these wrestlers into their next chapter.
Today, the Monster Factory is no more. But Travis Jacobs and David Goldy will be carrying on its legacy through their new venture, Lineage Pro Wrestling.
THE LINEAGE CONTINUES
Wrestler David Goldy is the owner of Lineage Pro Wrestling. Fans may recognize him from his appearances on GCW, AEW, and NJPW STRONG. He trained at the Monster Factory for eight years, in addition to honing his skills under Katsuyori Shibata at NJPW’s L.A. Dojo.
Goldy isn’t seeking to train Lineage’s students in any one style. Instead, he is looking to produce “complete, well-rounded wrestlers” by focusing on solid fundamentals, storytelling, and adaptability. “That way,” Goldy says, “our students can succeed anywhere, with any opponent. We create wrestlers that everyone will want to work with.”
But as he looks to the future, Goldy will remember where he started. He hopes to carry the Monster Factory’s standard of excellence into Lineage Pro Wrestling:
If you came from the Monster Factory, people knew it without ever needing to ask. It showed in your work ethic, your fundamentals, your respect, your professionalism, your discipline. The way you carried yourself in and out of the ring. That’s the part I want to keep alive in Lineage. The name is changing, but that standard set over the past 40+ years isn’t.
Travis Jacobs will be stepping up as a coach and promoter for Lineage. He made his wrestling debut in 2017 and has since traveled across the East Coast. Most recently, Jacobs has made appearances for Major League Wrestling. He is a three-time Monster Factory heavyweight champion, so it’s safe to say he understands what made the school successful for so long.
Jacobs spoke to PWI about the significance of the word “lineage” in this new venture. “I feel the name is a fitting way to honor the past and what the Monster Factory represented, not only to the ones that walked its halls, but for the ones carrying the mantle today,” he said. “I truly feel that Goldy, Missy, and I will live up to that incredible standard.”
Missy Sampson, a member of the 2300 Arena’s Hardcore Hall of Fame, will also be lending her wisdom to Lineage Pro Wrestling. Missy made her professional wrestling debut in 1995 and has since garnered a reputation as one of the toughest women in the industry. She is eager to guide her former students into these uncharted waters.
While Lineage will be its own promotion, there are some aspects of the Monster Factory that Missy hopes to carry on. She points to their proven training program, as well as the school’s sense of community and inclusion.
Lineage Pro Wrestling is setting sail during an interesting, if not tumultuous time for the independent wrestling scene. While indie companies are certainly more in favor of collaboration over competition these days, keeping a wrestling school and promotion in operation is no easy task. It’s a good thing that Goldy, Jacobs, and Sampson have more than enough knowledge, experience, and passion to pursue such an arduous task.
Maxxine Dupri is a woman of many talents, including being the face and designer of her very own clothing range, JAUNTY. And, as the Alpha Academy stable member told me in an exclusive interview for PWI (excerpted in our June 2025 issue), she has her mom to thank for giving her the name of her apparel brand that’s become a sensation with her fans and wrestling peers alike.
“My mom is extremely creative,” began Dupri. “She is my ChatGPT. If I am like, ‘What’s a cute catchphrase? What’s this?’ … and my mom will have 15 [off] the top of her head. I don’t know how she does it. She’s very, very creative.”
She continued, “I knew I wanted something that started with a ‘J’ because the middle names in my family all start with a ‘J.’ My mom sent me a bunch of different options, and jaunty was one of them. I’ll read you the meaning of it because when I had it I was like, Oh — this is it!”
Photos by Bella Piety (@bellacreative.co)
Reading from her phone, Dupri then recited the definition of the word “jaunty” as “having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.” She added, “I just felt like that was exactly what I wanted my brand to embody even as it evolved. Through each step, that always aligned.”
And just like that, JAUNTY was (and continues to be) JAUNTY. But, when Maxxine’s not busy trying to get in Natalya’s good graces and working hard in the WWE ring, she’s constantly thinking of new ways to bring her brand to the next level.
“Because I have a creative mind, I will wake up one day and be like, JAUNTY needs a perfume! My brain is always going 100 different ways, and then next week I’ll be like, Wait, is that a good idea?”
Photo by Jordan Williams
She admitted, “To be totally honest … I’m a really big goal setter. I always set goals for the business with followers, profit, all of that kind of stuff. I always write out different goals for each year. But I think for where the brand actually evolves … my success in that realm has come from letting that happen authentically and letting it flow as my life flows, and let it grow with me. It’s not something that I have pinpointed, but it’s something that I’m always thinking about. And honestly, if I wasn’t getting married so soon [to WWE NXT wrestler Anthony Luke], I would have done a whole bridal line.
“There’s some brands, like ALT SWIM is one, where they make amazing bikinis and they embroider your new last name on them. So many cool things for bachelorette parties and honeymoons, and I am so inspired by all of that. I don’t know what’s next for JAUNTY, but I’m excited to see where my life goes and what that means for JAUNTY.”
Check out the full conversation between Maxxine Dupri and PWI’s Candace Cordelia (including relevant stories about Chelsea Green and Nikki Bella) in the video below.
AT THE TIME OF my interview with the larger-than-life Austrian pro wrestler Thekla, for PWI’s May 2025 issue, she expressed her excitement about the possibilities of taking her athletic, artistic, and stylistic talents to America. And as much as she dreams of starting her own fashion line and taking wrestling fashion “to the next level” (“I have some pretty crazy stuff coming up … like, big gears”), she has some even more pressing concerns. One of these is the opportunity for STARDOM’s “Idol Killer” to face some dominant women wrestlers who’ve had a head start on becoming American idols in today’s wrestling industry.
Take, for example, Mercedes Mone. Mone currently holds three titles: the AEW TBS championship, NJPW STRONG Women’s championship, and RevPro Undisputed British Women’s championship (which was unified with the Southside Women’s title). In Thekla’s forthright opinion, all three titles (and four physical belts) are simply too many for one woman to possess.
“I saw her at the Tokyo Dome. She had a bit of a thing with Mina Shirakawa. Now, she’s got four belts. I think that’s a little much,” begins Thekla. “Seeing her walking around with four belts? I’m a little concerned for her well being. It looks a little heavy. I think somebody outta help her out with carrying those, if you know what I mean. I’d love to step in the ring with her for sure.”
Along with Mone, Thekla would also love to reunite with former AEW Women’s World champion Mariah May, yet in a way the one-time Owen Hart Foundation Tournament winner might not appreciate very much. “Mariah May and I used to be in Stardom together,” says Thekla. “I think she really needs a good kick in the face again, to be honest. She’s somebody who’s got it coming.”
Mercedes Mone poses with her four belts backstage at the Tokyo Dome.
Thekla also has designs on staring down two of WWE’s most popular wrestling superstars in the squared circle—Iyo Sky and Giulia. She recalls, “I ran into Iyo Sky the other day. She’s cool. Seeing her reminded me of the fact that I got trained by Mio Shirai (Iyo Sky’s sister). I was like, Damn! That could be something cool if I ever got to test her skills.”
As for her former Donna Del Mondo team member, Giulia, Thekla adds, “Obviously, number one is always, the one person [I] always get tagged with, Giulia. Great look. Great girl. I would love to run it back with her sometime.”
According to Thekla, “anything can happen these days.” And, with plans to descend into Las Vegas during WrestleMania Week, she’s looking toward a future filled with generational matches involving Mercedes, Mariah, Iyo, Giulia, and more … with no regrets concerning the past.
“I’ve been on a roll lately,” Thekla proclaims. “I got suspended like two or three times. I stopped counting. This has been happening, but I’m still proud of myself ’cause I just do what I have to do. I think it’s always a little bit of a grey area, a difficult situation, when I get suspended. I can be a little bit of a hot head. I do agree. But … I didn’t see myself being 100 percent in the wrong, ever. On the other hand, I can tell that lately I’ve been getting booked a little less by STARDOM. Especially now that I’ve dropped the belt together with Momo (Watanabe). But, to me, that’s fine because I’ve got my sights on the States anyway. I’ve been slapping girls around in Japan for the last five years. I’m really ready to raise some hell in the States right now.
“I think there’s so much more to do.”
Thekla taunts Hanan during the Goddesses of Stardom title bout on December 29.
Jun & Rei Saito Discuss Their Budding Music Career, The All Japan Triple Crown Title, And Fighting One Another
When Dokken’s “Dream Warrior” begins to play in whichever venue All Japan Pro Wrestling is stationed for the day, fans are immediately locked in for the “DOOM!” that comes next. Jun & Rei Saito are twin brothers who are well accomplished in the world of sports, playing football in America before pursuing sumo careers in Japan … and, eventually, pro wrestling. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4, respectively, with a combined weight of 559 lbs, the Saito Brothers in some ways feel like a blast for the past—a nod to All Japan’s well-documented history of having big, physically imposing wrestlers at the forefront. With their red-and-black color scheme and an affinity for leather, the Saitos make up what they lack in wrestling experience with pure charisma and being effortlessly cool.
Jun & Rei have arisen as two of Japanese puroresu’s most popular rising stars. This year marks four years since their debut, and their accomplishments speak for themselves. They are two-time (and current) AJPW World tag team champions, as well as the 2024 victors of AJPW’s World’s Strongest Tag Determination League tournament. In 2023, they won Tokyo Sports’ Newcomer Award, and the Best Tag Team Award the following year. Somewhere in the midst of their shared success, the brothers have also managed to establish themselves as top singles wrestlers. Jun Saito currently holds All Japan’s top prize, the Triple Crown championship, after defeating Davey Boy Smith on New Year’s Eve.
Their next milestone to conquer? Music. Recently, Jun & Rei Saito announced that they would be releasing their first single on February 26, from the album entitled Which One? There is a long history of the music and wrestling industries intertwining to bring new fans to both worlds—and the Saito Brothers are eager to add themselves to that list.
PWI contributor Lyric Swinton caught up with Jun & Rei—with the help of translator Ash Mann—to chat about their upcoming music, their current goals, being faces of All Japan, and how they feel about fighting one another.
PWI: It was announced that you both would be entering the musical world with a debut single titled “DOOM,” anticipated for February 26 release date. Wrestlers doing music isn’t a new concept, with the Crush Gals being the biggest and most successful example. Did either of you have a musical background before this? What was your thought process when coming to the decision to make music?
Rei: We had absolutely no experience in music at all. Even we were surprised when we were going to make our very first single, but obviously the goal is to expand and broaden the horizons of people to get into wrestling.
PWI: You two have only been wrestling since 2021, but you’ve managed to accomplish a lot in a fairly short amount of time. What were your initial goals when you entered pro wrestling coming from the sumo world? Did you expect this level of success so early on?
Rei: In All Japan Pro Wrestling, the goal is to win the World tag titles, obviously. Because we’re a tag team, right? We want to be the best tag team [and win] the Best Tag Team Prize in the Tokyo Sports Awards, which we also managed to win [in 2024]. It’s been maybe, say, about three and a half years since we debuted. We managed to get all this experience. So, we felt that with experience, we’d get results and get the confidence to get all these results in a short amount of time. We spent about eight years in the sumo world, so we have the physical ability to do it. We’ve just [had] to put it into the wrestling sense, and you can see the results.
PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE
PWI: Over the past year, you’ve won the All Japan World tag team championship for a second time, expanded your stable to include Mr. Saito and Senor Saito, won World’s Strongest Tag Determination League, and took home the Best Tag Team Prize from the Tokyo Sports awards. And you placed number seven on the “PWI Tag Team 100.” How do you feel about the 2024 you had? And are there any milestones you’re looking to conquer in 2025?
Jun: In 2024, we won the Tokyo Sports Best Tag Team Prize. We’re very happy, but disappointed we didn’t get the MVP award. The top prize—the top, top prize—I think Zack Sabre (Jr.) won. We’re a little bit disappointed about that. For 2025, we hope to win the MVP Award as a tag team for the very first time … because it hasn’t been accomplished in Tokyo Sports awards at all.
Rei: In 2024, I had a right shoulder injury. So, I was out for a month, but I came back in tip-top form. And, as a tag team, we were actually unbeaten the whole year.
PWI: Jun, you are currently the Triple Crown champion, holding one of the most prestigious wrestling titles of all-time. We saw you rise to the occasion as a singles wrestler quite a bit in 2024, first making it to the Champion Carnival final and eventually winning the title on New Year’s Eve. Talk about what your journey to the Triple Crown has been like, and what you hope to convey to fans during your reign.
Jun: Obviously the Saito Brothers, everybody knows us as a tag team. We’ve been working as a tag team our whole entire careers. And then, when I was in the Champion Carnival, I didn’t manage to win it. But I managed to go all the way to the finals, and that’s a pretty amazing result. Of course, for a singles wrestler in All Japan, the top title is Triple Crown, right? And to be able to get it before my brother [Rei], it makes me very happy … There has not been a title match between brothers for the Triple Crown yet, so I would love to accomplish it. But if Rei decides to challenge me, I will say no until he actually stacks up his own accomplishments and enough wins to get there.
PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE
PWI: How do you feel about that, Rei?
Rei: I have seen my brother’s effort to become champion. I wish I could become champion, too, but I haven’t really [gotten results] as a singles competitor yet. I would love to work more on that singles front first, take part in tournaments, get some results, and maybe think about challenging for the Triple Crown if my brother [Jun] is still champion.
PWI: As fun as it is to watch you two as a team, it’s just as entertaining to watch you face each other. I had the pleasure of watching you two lock horns on New Year’s Eve in 2023 in Tokyo. And you never hold back. Why do you think your chemistry is so special not just as teammates, but also as opponents?
Rei: When it comes to wrestling and brothers fighting, I’m not gonna hold back. There’s no point holding back because as brothers, we’ve been fighting [since we were] kids, so this is normal for us.
Jun: It’s not difficult. In fact, it’s very easy. Because many years ago, when we were still doing sumo, in the early years, there were two brothers who were yokozunas, the top ranked sumos. When they had the finals together and they fought, they didn’t really like fighting each other … On the other hand, for me, if it’s a fight between brothers, I will not only just put in 100%, maybe like 120%. It’s actually very easy. It’s more natural that way. Maybe it might be a bit more tiring, by going that extra [mile] just to beat the other brother.
PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE
PWI: I’ve seen fans in Jun and Rei costumes at shows, and even outside of wrestling. Your popularity in Japan is growing larger and larger by the day. What does the support from fans mean to you both? Does it ever get overwhelming?
Jun: Wrestling fans, the fans give wrestling its energy. Years ago, when we were debuting, Coronavirus [was happening], [there were] no crowds, nothing at all. But when the crowds came back, we felt like we could work extra hard. Because the roar of the crowd and the cheers of the fans when they call our names, it gets us more excited and helps us put the extra gear in to make the matches more exciting. I’m really thankful that the fans cheering really helps to make the wrestling [more exciting]. I’m very thankful to get the support of the fans.
Rei: Even though it’s fighting and it’s sports, it’s also entertainment. So, I’m very thankful that we have support of fans right now.
PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE
PWI: You both have American heritage and have spent some time on excursions there at the beginning of your careers. Now that you both are no longer rookies but legitimate forces to be reckoned with, are there any dream matches in America, or even other promotions in Japan that you’d like to have?
Jun: As a tag team, we always want to win the Tokyo Sports Best Tag Team award. In 2023, it was Bishamon, [NJPW’s] Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI. I still remember when they won the thing. We won the Best Tag Team prize this past year, so obviously I would love to challenge Bishamon one day.
Rei: As wrestlers, we haven’t been to the U.S. in a while. We would love to wrestle in the United States. We [would] like to wrestle in Europe as well. We definitely would love to give a try to AEW or WWE once in our careers, because I’m sure every wrestler would have thought about that at least once in their careers.
PWI: It feels like a new era for All Japan and stars like you, Yuma Anzai, Ren Ayabe, and others are at the forefront of that new era. All Japan Pro Wrestling has a rich and storied past, but it also has an energetic and exciting present. What does it mean to both of you to be faces of such an important organization in wrestling history?
Rei: Obviously, All Japan Pro Wrestling has a very long history. Many fans overseas, they know the history with Giant Baba. We all know the history. It’s very, very long and very, very storied. Now for us to be able to be in this very historic promotion, we’re very honored to be here, but I feel that we’re not at the peak yet. And, going forward, we’re gonna still try to reach that peak and [make] All Japan more and more exciting.
Jun: When you think of All Japan, you think of very big guys, very big, large individuals. And they bring a lot of exciting, hard fights [and] intense bouts. In the ’80s and ’90s, wrestling in Japan was at its peak. Everybody knows it’s the hottest thing. But lately, in a sense [that buzz] has gone to other sports, like MMA and whatever else. The pro wrestling spirit is still in Japan. It’s still there. And we would like to bring that spirit and the fan base back via our exciting bouts in All Japan Pro Wrestling.
IWGP World Heavyweight Champ Zack Sabre Jr. Talks The Future Of NJPW, TMDK, Nigel McGuinness, Technical Wrestling, and Wrestle Kingdom/Dynasty
FEW WRESTLERS HAVE A stronger case for calling 2024 their year than Zack Sabre Jr. His growing list of accomplishments includes becoming the second foreigner to win the G1 Climax, big wins over Bryan Danielson and Hechicero, wrestling in Wembley Stadium, winning the IWGP World heavyweight championship, and walking into the main event of Wrestle Kingdom in the Tokyo Dome as the champion. To add a cherry on top, the TMDK frontman was voted as 2024’s Tokyo Sports MVP, becoming only the second foreigner to claim that distinction.
Zack Sabre Jr. has long been lauded as the best technical wrestler on the planet. But as he heads into potentially two back-to-back Tokyo Dome main events versus Shota Umino and Ricochet respectively, Sabre has earned the right to be referred to as simply the best. PWI contributor Lyric Swinton caught up with the world champion shortly after the conclusion of World Tag League for an exclusive interview about the future of NJPW, TMDK, Nigel McGuinness, technical wrestling, and Wrestle Kingdom/Dynasty.
PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE
PWI: You’re only the second foreigner to win the Tokyo Sports MVP award. There was a lot of support for you winning the award. You’re in good company with Sareee over on the women’s side. You set a lot of great goals for yourself earlier this year, saying you wanted to be G1 Climax winner, you wanted to be IWGP World heavyweight champion, and you wanted to walk into the Tokyo Dome as champion. Talk about how this award and being the second foreigner to win it fits into some of the goals that you set for yourself at the beginning of this year.
ZSJ: Yeah, I mean, out of all of them, I definitely thought [Tokyo Sports] MVP would be either the most difficult or the least attainable, just because it’s independent from New Japan. I can sort of control my own personal achievements, but [Tokyo Sports MVP] is more objective. I was conscious that only one foreign wrestler had won it before. And essentially, Bob Sapp won it for all of his achievements, but I think it was mostly through his MMA success that year. So yeah, definitely to win it, to have the support of the media … and the committee is quite broad with peers, journalists, and I think especially for them, I’ve been in Japan for 13 years now, so for them to give me that acknowledgment is definitely one of the best things I’ve ever achieved. And it’s the first time I’ve got to reflect on the year. I guess this is where the calendar year’s ending. But with the G1, obviously the focus is just on the size of the match, then after that winning the [IWGP World heavyweight] belt, then trying to get some defenses in before heading into the Dome. So yeah, it’s definitely a real end to the year.
PWI: You talked about winning the G1 and winning the [IWGP World heavyweight] belt and having all this. But you’ve also been a leader in New Japan with TMDK this year and bringing Ryohei Oiwa under your wing, in addition to already having Kosei Fujita. What has that been like, being a leader in New Japan, not just as champion, but also in helping to mold the next generation of stars?
ZSJ: Mikey and Shane dubbed me “The Front Man,” so I guess it’s still technically their group. So yeah, I’ll take the front man on the front of the band. But yeah, my goal … TMDK obviously started as a platform to really spotlight Australian wrestling at a time when there was really no focus on the domestic Australian scene. And Mike and Shane were sort of flying the flag for Australian wrestling. I think if we’d all stayed in NOAH for longer, it was inevitable that I would’ve joined TMDK officially. In the nature of being the only three full-time foreigners there, I was sort of adjacent to TMDK. But then after Suzuki-gun ended, and I joined TMDK, I definitely didn’t want TMDK to be a stereotypical foreign group. That wasn’t going to be part of our mindset for the three of us, especially since Japan’s had such a huge impact on our careers, and I think it would be facetious to hide our love for Japan.
So I was conscious from joining TMDK straight away that I wanted Japanese wrestlers in the group, just to have that connection fully with Japan, and then also to be able to give a different environment for young Japanese wrestlers. Obviously, we’ve been through the dojo system. Even in my original wrestling school [Hammerlock], there was a hierarchy, and there’s a hierarchy system in Japan. But I think that’s important in all of wrestling. I wanted to have an environment in TMDK where it could be more relaxed socially, but then there’s still expectations with training and delivering. It works wonderfully with Fujita. He was already an enigma anyway, but I think his growth from joining TMDK last year to now is pretty unparalleled. And then, likewise, obviously the goal is to do that with Oiwa now. It’s just nice to be able to be in a position to assist young Japanese wrestlers whilst also not stepping on the toes of the environment.
I wasn’t going to treat those boys like I’m a Japanese senpai. That’s not my role. That’s not how I can help them. I think it’s a nice environment for them to be in. And it’s also inspiring for us, as well. They caught my attention. Their debut match, I think, is one of the best debut matches I’ve ever seen. It was in the peak of COVID. The restrictions for the events were very rigid. So to debut in that environment and have that much energy and natural skill was just as inspiring for me.
PWI: Something that most of you in TMDK have in common is your time in Pro Wrestling NOAH. A big thing that happened right before you ended up winning the G1 Climax is that Yoshinari Ogawa announced his retirement. Obviously, he was a big mentor to you throughout your career and also ended up crossing paths with Oiwa right before he came back into New Japan. Talk about the impact that he has had on your career and your being able to achieve so much this year as he’s said goodbye to his own career.
ZSJ: Yeah, by far. I mean, if he’s not the most influential, important figure that I’ve met in wrestling, he’s definitely top two. I grew up watching Japanese wrestling and being a huge Japanese wrestling fan, so I already had an image of Ogawa-san before I got here. And I admired in the peak of All Japan that he just had such a unique presence and clearly his own philosophy. But then also [for me] to come to Japan, especially with the foreign wrestlers, he was so conscious to take care and look out for everyone. He really went above and beyond. The two or so years as his tag team partner is one of the best experiences, not of my career, but of my life, just getting to spend so much time with him professionally and socially and just to talk to him and get his philosophy … not just on wrestling, but on life.
And I mean, you could see until the day he retired, how much passion he had for pro wrestling. He was doing 30-minute draws up until the moment he had to retire. His love for pro wrestling I think was just so apparent. And then, like I said, with Fujita and Oiwa, I had my eyes on them from their debut. Obviously, I dressed them up in my ring gear a couple of times. I definitely was eager to be involved with them. But after Oiwa went over to NOAH for his excursion, it just became a no-brainer that he’d come into TMDK when he [returned to New Japan]. I was speaking to Ogawa regularly, and he was training with Oiwa and speaking very highly of him. Any praise from Ogawa is hard to come by and you have to work for it, so the fact that he was speaking well of Oiwa was all the endorsement that I needed. I think it’s also a nice way for me, Mike, and Shane to be able to be thankful and acknowledge the opportunity that NOAH gave to us and how thankful we are for it. I feel like we sort of get to combine every element of our journeys with TMDK and having Oiwa in there now.
I’m glad that I got to wrestle with Ogawa one last time. I was on the (2023) NOAH New Year show, so obviously I didn’t realize that’d be the last time that I got to wrestle with him. But I’m glad I got to go back twice to NOAH and team up. He’s just the coolest. He’s just the coolest man. He’s the coolest man that ever … he hasn’t aged. He hasn’t aged in two decades or maybe even more. Effortlessly cool.
Zack Sabre Jr. attempts to fight out of Yoshinari Ogawa’s straightjacket hold at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in Yokohama. (PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE)
PWI: Switching gears from the younger generation to your own journey: A couple years ago when Suzuki-gun dissolved and you branched out as a solo wrestler, starting from winning the [NJPW] Television championship and being the inaugural person to hold it at Wrestle Kingdom 17 to where you are now, what was in your mind when you evolved and made that clear shift to becoming a frontman and really setting off as a single star? What were you thinking? And did you think that you would be where you are today when you originally set out on that journey?
ZSJ: Japan has always been the, I mean, not even the end goal for me, but the goal. So, with that, I’ve always strived to reach the top, but then I’ve always been happy for the journey. Every experience as a wrestler contributes to who you are. And then, my time in Suzuki-gun, I’m forever in debt to that group because that gave me a real platform and home. The nature of being a touring Japanese wrestler is you’re with your team all the time. Towards the end, I was the only foreign wrestler in Suzuki-gun. I think it really gave me a connection to Japan properly to be amongst a team of Japanese wrestlers, especially during COVID. Everyone was really looking after me, but I felt like Suzuki-gun ended at its perfect time.
I loved that we ended amicably. I think we were one of the only wrestling units that ended in that way, but I think it was the right time for the unit, and it was the right time for me as well. Teaming with Taichi was incredibly fun. I think we brought out the best in each other and we were able to win Tokyo Sports Best Tag Team, which was my first Tokyo Sports award up until now. And I don’t think New Japan had won that for a long time. So [Suzuki-gun] definitely gave me a platform to be in a prominent position in New Japan.
But ultimately, my style, the way that I wrestle, and the way that I’m passionate about, I’m a singles wrestler at heart. With the TV title being announced around that time, it just felt like the right timing to be able to put my stamp on a new championship that didn’t have any preordained image about what the style of this title is. The rules, in theory, do not suit my style so I saw that as a challenge, as well. In title matches or big singles matches, New Japan has a 60-minute time limit, so you’ve got a lot of room for freedom; where 15 minutes is a separate challenge from most of my career where I have the freedom within a larger time limit.
PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE
I really owe my entire career to Japanese wrestling. I am reciprocating all of the support and the opportunities I’ve been given … I want to vindicate the company and the country and everyone that’s been behind me the whole time.
PWI: What was that challenge like as a wrestler? Because I think that you have a reputation for these longer matches and during that TV title reign, you had 15 minutes or less. It was a very strong reign with a lot of great title defenses all over the world, but when you’re already so good at something, what is that thought process of changing or condensing your style into 15 minutes?
ZSJ: Well, I am a big fan of post-rock and ambient music. Even some of the techno I listen to, it’s like 10, 12 minute songs. It’s going to sound incredibly pretentious, but I definitely likened it to having an improvisational jazz band trying to make a two-and-a-half-minute radio pop song. I think you always want a new challenge in wrestling. I’ve been wrestling 18 years or so, up until that point, so I think that’s the most exciting thing about wrestling. Even when you’ve been doing it for a long time, there are always new challenges. Ultimately, it’s about how much you want to test yourself and get outside your comfort zone. But I think it reaffirmed to me that my style is adaptable. I believe in the way that I wrestle and will stay true to it regardless. But I think it proved to me that [my style] can work in different formats, as well. Fifteen minutes is a pain in the ass. I get more tired in some of those 8-minute matches. You have people just coming at you nonstop than longer New Japan main events.
PWI: The Speedball [Mike Bailey NJPW TV title match] was crazy.
ZSJ: Well, yeah, he’s a maniac. I don’t think he ever gets tired. It’s impossible. Although, I think I’d rather wrestle him with a 15-minute time limit. Because otherwise, if he’s coming at me like that for 60 minutes, I don’t know which one is worse.
PWI: You’ve made it your mission to put British wrestling on your back, British technical wrestling, specifically, and you’ve had some really high profile matches all over the world, namely with Bryan Danielson and Hechicero. To be able to have these big matches that everybody has their eyes on all over the world, that are rooted in technical wrestling, what has that been like this year? And now that your platform is growing, what are your plans to continue to grow technical wrestling and the British style going forward?
ZSJ: I think the most important thing about pro wrestling is that it can be whatever you want it to be or whatever it can be. So, the restriction is only what the wrestler puts on themselves, or whether it’s another form of art, or sport, or entertainment, or whatever it is. The key is just being sincere in this context. The rest that you want to be, I think people can connect with that, if the sincerity is there. I’m fortunate that I’m in a really prominent position now, but I believe that I’d be wrestling the way that I am without the success that I’ve had. The start of wrestling that I was most passionate about and inspired by was technical wrestling and submission wrestling. That’s what inspired me to become a wrestler in the first place, and that was always going to be the way that I wanted to wrestle. But it takes you a little to figure out.
It’s a sort of continuous progression, and I feel that I’ve got endless room to grow with this style, experiences, everything, too. As you become an old wrestler and everything that adds into your career, I feel like I can continue to evolve it and make it contemporary. But I’m very conscious. I was very lucky to be trained by one of the last traditional British wrestling schools. And as the British wrestling scene becomes much more Americanized, I take pride in being a wrestler with British wrestling roots. So yeah, I’m very conscious to keep as many elements of a traditional British style alive, but every style would always evolve anyway. I’m trying not to have the nostalgia be the driving force. I definitely want each year of my career to be where I can reflect and be like, oh, okay, look, this is how it grew.
Then, directly with the Danielson and Hechicero matches … Bryan is, he’s not one of the best technical wrestlers of all time, he’s the greatest wrestler that’s existed in my lifetime. And Hechicero, I think he’s finally got the attention that he deserves. So yeah, I think the exciting thing about technical wrestling for me is that to be able to do the match in Mexico with Hechicero and have that element of lucha libre and Llave submission wrestling coming through, and then with Bryan in America and in Japan, I hope that it inspires people if they’re passionate about technical wrestling to aim for that style or to show that you can have that style and be successful. But also, that doesn’t mean that’s what I think all of pro wrestling should be. I think pro wrestling is fast, and that’s what makes it beautiful.
ZSJ tries a triangle chokehold on CMLL’s Hechicero at RevPro’s anniversary show. (PHOTO BY SCOTT LESH)
PWI: In the same vein of British wrestling, you, right after winning the G1 Climax, got to perform in Wembley Stadium, come out to Mass Lines and have a staredown with Nigel McGuinness, who made his return after a long time away from the ring. What was that week like? Not to mention, you wrestled Hechicero the night before in Copper Box Arena.
ZSJ: That was a mad week. Every young Brit dreams of performing at Wembley. I think probably most young kids are dreaming of playing football there or maybe playing a gig. To get to do it for pro wrestling definitely felt much more rewarding. I had no idea that Nigel was going to be involved in it either. I was blown away by the response. Obviously, I spent most of my career in Japan. I don’t wrestle full-time for AEW, so I wouldn’t have expected the reaction that I got. And then to have Mass Lines playing. Chris Thomas, the front man of Mass Lines, is a really old friend of mine. We both grew up on the Isle of Sheppey together and were both in Canterbury after. So yeah, to be able to have a close friend’s song play me out in Wembley Stadium against a British wrestler like Nigel that I’d come to terms with never getting to wrestle, and then to actually have it so well received seems like I’ve just made it up. The fact that’s actually a real thing that happened is a highlight of an insane year.
And [Nigel] owes me … he still owes me a singles match, as well, because Big Nige looks very genki, that’s healthy in Japanese. He is in the shape of his career, although I do wish he had his old hair and the iron and the spikes. Is he still claiming that he singlehandedly reunited Oasis as well?
PWI: Yes.
ZSJ: He can have that. Yeah. If Nigel was getting back in the ring, I’ve been able to wrestle some really incredible wrestlers, and I’d have come to terms with never getting to wrestle with Nigel in a one-on-one match, but I think that has to happen at some point.
PWI: I mean, [AEW X NJPW] Forbidden Door is in London in 2025.
ZSJ: Maybe Nigel, I’ll do my hair like yours. We’ll do it together. I’ve got blonde hair now, too. I think we’ll leave the iron at home, though.
PWI: Wrestle Kingdom, this is the third big checkmark that you had for this year, walking into Wrestle Kingdom as IWGP World heavyweight champion. You’re up against Shota Umino, who is a controversial pick to say the least. Your career this year, it seems to be the year where you reap all the benefits of all your hard work. There’s been so much conversation about Shota (Umino), the entire Reiwa era, the Musketeers, the younger generation, and who’s deserving of what. What are your thoughts about him being in such a big prominent spot at the Tokyo Dome in 2025, such a time of change for New Japan?
ZSJ: I think one thing that’s perhaps a bit misguided with the reactions to Shota is that the moments that he’s been booed were both following my title victory and my defense against Shingo. Previously in the night on those events, he was cheered and very popular. I’m touring around the entire country continuously. The reactions that he gets are very positive. He’s definitely one of the most popular young wrestlers in the whole company. I think the Japanese fans are very pragmatic and just perceive him to have not perhaps had the achievements this year or since returning from excursion to warrant challenging for me, and then, specifically, at the Tokyo Dome. But I mean, objectively, this is the strongest year of my entire career. I believe that the main event of Ittenyon January 4 always should be only against a full-time New Japan wrestler.
This is the most important platform for the company to really set up not just the year, but the future, Especially since Wrestle Dynasty is the following day, then I think that’s the day for collaboration. If it’s not Shota, objectively, who this year has a rightful stake to challenge? He’s the only person that continuously had my number over these last few years. I mean, he’s beat me in three tournaments now at New Japan Cup 2023, during the G1 and then during World Tag League. My objective is to lead New Japan into the future. I’ve obviously got the benefit of having a 20-year career. I think that’s why my achievements this year have been so warmly received, obviously globally, but really domestically in Japan. It’s been a long journey so you can’t really cheat experience in that way, but I think his eagerness to reach the top of New Japan is the right merit.
But I think that’s also why [his eagerness] is perhaps perceived to be, probably desperate is the wrong word, but rather than just letting things naturally come at the right time. And then the downfall would be proclaiming yourself the “Ace” before you are. That’s a term that’s given to you. It’s not one that you can bestow upon yourself, even if the intention is sincere. But I think it’s a great opportunity for New Japan. This is the first Tokyo Dome main event where both people involved in the match are first-time main-eventers so I think the symbolism of it is still really important. And then it’s my role now as the champion and as the most experienced wrestler to bring out the best version of Shota. This is my first Tokyo Dome main event, so even with all the success that I’ve had this year, I still have to make myself a Tokyo Dome-level main event for the first time. But I also have to make my opponent that, as well, and I’m very confident that I can do it.
PWI: Typically as a foreigner, you’re one of the only foreigners in New Japan, but with the Tokyo Dome shows, there are going to be a lot of foreigners coming in from CMLL, AEW, Ring of Honor. You’ll also have women involved from the Stardom side. There’s so many people making either debuts or returns to the Tokyo Dome like Kenny Omega, Mercedes Moné, in addition to the International Women’s Cup. So many people, even Oiwa and Fujita are people who’ll come into the Dome for the first time or first time in a long time. Is there anything that you’re excited to see over those two days as a fan of professional wrestling that you’re looking forward to?
ZSJ: The laziest thing will just be me saying about my own boys, but the fact that Fujita and Robbie (Eagles) are challenging at the Dome, challenging for the Junior tag titles, I mean, Fujita and Oiwa are both three years into their career, but I think it’s almost forgotten at this point or rightfully neglected. The level and the capability they have is just phenomenal. Also, I’m really happy that Robbie Eagles is in a prominent position at the Tokyo Dome, and I think they’re going to lead in the junior heavyweight division for the foreseeable future.
Big Roy being in a Tokyo Dome title match three months after returning to New Japan is really incredible. I’m most excited. I think Wrestle Dynasty, especially, is just incredibly fresh. I’m excited for the New Japan fans. Obviously, there’s going to be a lot of international fans coming, but I’m excited for the Japanese fans just to be able to get to watch a really diverse and varied Tokyo Dome event. Positions on the Tokyo Dome card when there’s just one event in a year are very coveted. I think there’s so many people that might not have had opportunities before that get to be on this platform. Every wrestler understands the importance of something of the level of a Tokyo Dome event. So, I think the quality of the show is not in doubt at all. If there’s any doubt about the cards, I think once the events have happened, people are going to be really blown away.
PWI: Obviously, you are rare as not just one of the only foreigners to ever main-event the Tokyo Dome but also lead the company. What does it mean to you to be a foreigner in Japan? A lot of people talk about going to Japan to get better, but it’s typically to train then go somewhere else. But this has always been your end game. What’s the responsibility that you feel towards leading the company and knowing that you’re in rare air in doing so?
ZSJ: I think everyone has different objectives. I think there’s nothing wrong with a wrestler who’s striving for success in America to want to come to Japan for experience or to wrestle here for a short period of time. But this is the end goal for me and that’s why I wanted to train in a Japanese dojo. I’d been wrestling for nine years before I got invited to the Pro Wrestling NOAH Dojo, and I jumped. I got on the first possible plane that I could because I knew that to cement myself into the landscape here, it takes time, and it takes effort and transparency to show that you are respectful and passionate about the industry here. I think the reception that I’ve had this year, especially before the G1 and before the title match, obviously Japanese fans are very encouraging, but it’d be easy for them to sort of be like” Zack, just do your best.” But before everything, it was like, “No, you will win,” or, “We think you’re going to win the G1.” I could just feel the perception and view of me change. And I think that’s just the culmination of 13 years here and the fact that I can’t hide my nerdiness about Japanese wrestling.
I think I really owe my entire career to Japanese wrestling. I am reciprocating all of the support and the opportunities I’ve been given and then to be so warmly received this year with all the achievements I’ve had, I want to vindicate the company and the country and everyone that’s been behind me the whole time. I see my responsibility to not only lead New Japan, but also to bring out the best in all of the young wrestlers. My goal by defeating Shota, for example, at the Tokyo Dome, that I’m going to give him all of the tools that he needs to become the wrestler that can himself lead New Japan into the future. Right now, I’m focusing on my own success still, whilst obviously helping the young wrestlers as much as possible. But in the near future, it’ll be my responsibility to solely focus on assisting the young wrestlers.
PWI: This year, there’s not just one Tokyo Dome show, there’s two, and you have another opponent on January 5. Ricochet is making his return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the Tokyo Dome. Obviously, he’s now part of AEW, he’s made a significant career shift over the past couple months, trying to return to his old form and bring something new to the table. What are your thoughts about Ricochet, coming in, attacking you, aiming straight for the top, and Wrestle Dynasty as a whole, adding on this second show and having on the product than typically?
ZSJ: Well, I think that’s the suavest way I’ve ever been attacked in my entire career. I can’t believe … I mean, I’m in a suit right now. I can barely … well, I have on slip-on loafers, so they don’t have any shoe laces because I can barely bend down to tie laces that aren’t there. The fact that he was able to springboard and fly at me in a suit and dress shoes is remarkable. And obviously, the fans in Osaka were very excited and happy to see Ricochet back. He’s got an amazing history in Japan. He spent a lot of time here and has a great perspective of two different companies between Dragongate and New Japan. Ricochet and I have a big history. We’ve wrestled all over the world. We’ve had singles matches in the U.K., Germany, all across America. The first trip that I had to Australia, we wrestled twice.
Japan is one of the last places we need to tick off. At the Tokyo Dome, possibly for the IWGP World heavyweight title, is the biggest platform we can do it. We are generational rivals in a way. We’re a similar age, have similar career lengths. Like I said, I’m going to main-event in the Tokyo Dome for the first time, and then I plan on doing that back-to-back nights. But likewise, with Shota being a first-time main-eventer as well, Ricochet’s in that same position. So I know that he will understand the gravitas of it as well. Especially having left his previous employers and being in AEW now, I expect the best version of Ricochet, and I’m excited to see how Ricochet will approach wrestling for the [IWGP World] heavyweight title. He was a junior heavyweight in New Japan for a long time, but he’s in incredible shape. He was already before, he was one of the strongest wrestlers I’ve ever been in the ring with. It was ridiculous. So, I only know he is going to be in better condition and shape now, but with heightened motivation.
Both matches have the opportunity, but as fresh Tokyo Dome main events where there’s not an expectation of, “Okay, this is how these previous races that have had multiple main events, this is how they approach it.” I think that’s one of the most exciting things about it. On paper, perhaps they’re somewhat unusual Tokyo Dome main events, but that’s how you progress a company and how you usher in a new era where it’s a very interesting time for New Japan. I think we have more young potential main-eventers or top young stars than ever before in New Japan’s history, whether that’s foreign or Japanese. The Dojo’s done an incredible job recently, but I see my responsibility is to be carrying New Japan for the foreseeable future until those young wrestlers are ready. Obviously, I’m biased, I think it’ll be Oiwa to usurp me. But I hope … yeah, just let me have the belt for a little bit, Roy, let me have a little bit.
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 takes place LIVE on Saturday, January 4 at 3:00 am EST/12:00 am PST on NJPW World & Triller. The NJPW x AEW x ROH x CMLL x STARDOM co-promoted Wrestle Dynasty will air LIVE on Saturday, January 4, 2025 (Sunday, January 5 in Japan) at 11:00pm EST/8:00pm PST on NJPW World & Triller.
BLAIR ONYX MADE her first appearance on any annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranking in the 2024 “Women’s 250.” For those who have followed her path to success since she debuted in 2018, the recognition seemed not only well-deserved, but a long time coming.
Kristen Ashly of PWI is an avid Midwest wrestling aficionado, and took the opportunity to speak with Blair on her remarkable year.
ASHLY: This year you ranked on a PWI list for the first time! Congratulations! What made this year different from others?
ONYX: Thank you! I feel like this year I did a lot more focus on inner work, and trying to focus more on keeping a consistent routine and actually enjoying the work I put into it. When you enjoy the journey, it becomes easier to be more consistent. I also made more of an effort to ask for help from different people and take more charge in communication with my coaches and mentors.
ASHLY: You had an extremely busy year, wrestling for nearly 20 different promotions. When it comes to indie promotions, which was your favorite to work with? Is there a certain way you approach choosing bookings?
ONYX: Some of my favorite promotions to work for include Freelance Wrestling, Glory Pro Wrestling, 2econd wrestling and many more. The main thing I look for in a company that I work for is that I enjoy the work I do there and I feel like I am able to play my role well. In regards to choosing bookings, I feel as though I try to fill up my calendar, always, to have more matches under my belt and more experience! I love wrestling in front of different crowds; it teaches me a lot.
ASHLY: You’re one of the talented women who have broken through from the Midwest scene. I live in Wisconsin, and I know the wrestling scene here is often slept on. In what ways do you think the Midwest scene is special?
ONYX: I think the Midwest scene is special because we have so many prominent names that have come out of here like Cora Jade, Kylie Rae, Billie Starkz, and many more. I wouldn’t even say we are slept on. I think the Midwest girlies are making some ruckus!
ASHLY: What did wrestling in the Midwest teach you, compared to other areas?
ONYX: I feel like I mostly learned all I know from the Midwest, so I think it’s not really for me to say that I learned better here than another place because I didn’t have those experiences. I think success comes from within.
ASHLY: Also out of the area aew Laynie Luck, Sierra, Missa Kate, and so many others. Do you think the women of the Midwest hold special attributes?
ONYX: I think the Midwest girlies definitely hold their own, but I wouldn’t say we’re above any other region, because I feel as though women’s wrestling as a whole is killing it.
ASHLY: While ROH was in Iowa, you made an appearance facing Billie Starkz. How did the opportunity come about?
ONYX: I got a message two days before [asking] if I could make it out to Cedar Rapids. I was available, and two days later I debuted on ROH! It happened pretty quickly.
ASHLY: You had your fair share of matches with Billie in the past. Was this one different?
ONYX: Yeah! I never faced her on such a grand stage, and it felt like the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had. So, it was very full-circle to face someone I was a little familiar with in the ring.
ASHLY: Glory Pro is a well-respected promotion, and you recently competed in their Women’s Crown title tournament. Laynie Luck eventually won the tournament against Shazza McKenzie in the final submission match. Any plans to go after a friend for the title?
ONYX: Absolutely! No matter who holds that title, friend or not, Glory Pro has been a fundamental part of my development as a performer in general, and there would be no bigger prize there for me than the Women’s Crown title. My mind is absolutely on how to advance myself in the ranks at Glory Pro. I recently picked up a singles win against Aminah Belmont, so I should be on their radar for a future title opportunity … and if not, I’ll make some noise.
ASHLY: Now that you’ve debuted, what are your plans to rank higher next year? What’s in store for you?
ONYX: I think I might have done something right in the past year with how my career has gone, so I am grateful to see the upswing. But now that I’ve gotten a taste of that, my mind is on how to continue this momentum. The work never stops, it just gets harder.
SINCE THE TITLE’S INCEPTION in 2017, 28-year-old Rhio has defended the PROGRESS Women’s championship more than any champion has during one reign. Successfully defeating a dozen-plus challengers, including Lana Austin, Kanji, Nina Samuels, Delmi Exo, and Session Moth Martina, is no easy feat.
Rhio’s PROGRESS title run has reached more than 400 days, but it’s by no means her only accomplishment worth celebrating. The U.K. powerhouse ranked #25 on the 2024 “PWI Women’s 250,” making her the highest-ranked U.K. freelancer on the 2024 list.
PWI‘s Kristen Ashly spoke with Rhio about her record-breaking year.
ASHLY: Congratulations on your “PWI Women’s 250″ ranking! You made #25. What do you think made this year so special?
RHIO: This year, I’ve broken records and made history in some of the top independent promotions in Europe. I feel this year has been my best work so far, and with every challenge I’ve come out stronger. Also, this year I made my debut in the U.S., which is another big milestone for me. I think this year has had many special moments for me, so many amazing matches and incredible opponents. Opportunities have come and I’ve just run with it. Just as I think it can’t get any crazier, it does.
ASHLY: You’ve held multiple titles during the evaluation period for this year’s list. Do you have one that you’re particularly proud of? Is there one you think is missing from the list?
RHIO: I’m particularly proud of holding both the ICW and PROGRESS Women’s championships, especially when I was holding them at the same time. Both of these championships are legitimate world championships and have such a rich lineage. So, to be able to join the list of incredible women that have held these championships means a lot to me. In terms of one I feel is missing, I am definitely going to be working towards the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s championship.
Rhio holds aloft the PROGRESS and Insane Championship Wrestling Women’s belts. Given the breadth and depth of competition surrounding each prize, she believes both championships to be legitimate world titles. (PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE)
ASHLY: One title you should feel incredibly proud of is the PROGRESS Women’s title, which you held the entire evaluation year. What defense did you find the most difficult?
RHIO: I’m extremely proud of holding the PROGRESS Women’s world championship. It’s hard to say which is the most difficult defense as there has been quite a few. But some of the ones that spring to mind are: the 4-way ladder match I had at this year’s Super Strong Style 16, myself versus Emersyn Jayne, myself versus Lizzy Evo, and myself versus Kanji, off the top of my head.
ASHLY: What defense do you think is still missing?
RHIO: I feel me [against] the DEFY Women’s champion is something that is missing. Especially with the partnership of PROGRESS and DEFY. So, hopefully that is something we can do.
ASHLY: U.K. women’s wrestling is known as some of the best in the business. How do you feel the U.K. stacks up against other countries?
RHIO: Oh, I agree the U.K. women’s wrestling scene is incredibly strong at the moment, and I’m proud to be a part of it. We have one of the best women’s wrestling scenes in the world. So many beautiful, strong, and talented women that will step to anyone to prove themselves. Women putting in consistent hard work.
ASHLY: One incredible moment to see as a Rhio fan was your in-ring appearance at All In, supporting Saraya. How did that moment feel?
RHIO: I loved appearing at AEW All In supporting Saraya. And being a part of a moment that involved two incredible British women [Saraya and Jamie Hayter] in front of a huge crowd at Wembley was very special.
ASHLY: How did that opportunity come about? AEW has a wonderful group of U.K. talent. Is that somewhere you’d like to wrestle on a regular basis?
RHIO: The opportunity came about after I received an email inviting me to Cardiff and All In. AEW has so many amazing British wrestlers and is definitely somewhere I could see myself wrestling regularly.
ASHLY: WrestleMania Weekend in Philadelphia was the time to see Rhio! You had two title defenses that weekend, one for PROGRESS and one as part of Kevin McElvaney’s ThrashElvania. Both were incredible matches; did you have similar mindsets going into them?
RHIO: I loved wrestling in Philadelphia over Wrestlemania Week. I loved all of my matches. I would say my mindset going into them was very different, as the one for PROGRESS was a singles match with the former champion I beat, and someone I know very well (Lana Austin). So, with that said, I knew she was coming into this with extra motivation. Whereas my match at ThrashElvania was a triple threat with two women I have never wrestled before. So, I went into that match knowing that I didn’t have to be pinned to lose. I didn’t fully know what to expect from my opponents. So, I had to watch my back even more in that one.
Delmi Exo gets clobbered by Rhio’s side headbutt during their triple-threat bout for the PROGRESS Women’s title at ThrashElvania, which took place over WrestleMania Weekend. (PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE)
ASHLY: Do you approach a match differently when you’re facing more than one opponent, or an opponent that you don’t face often?
RHIO: When it comes to approaching my matches, I always approach them differently. Because I know that all my opponents are different, they think differently, and they move differently.
ASHLY: Also that weekend, you faced Shoko Nakajima on a TJPW show. This isn’t your first time wrestling for TJPW. Is it different wrestling in the U.S. for TJPW, as opposed to Japan? Do you find wrestling British Style is different from joshi? Are there adjustments to make?
RHIO: It did feel different wrestling for TJPW in the U.S. as opposed to wrestling for them in Japan. I don’t really know why, I can’t quite figure that out. But it was definitely different for me. The British and joshi style do have their differences, but the prominent similarity is they are both a hard-hitting style, which I think transcends well. If I get to face Shoko Nakajima again, which I hope I do, it’s more [that] I need to adjust to her in particular, not the style. Again, it goes back to me taking every opponent as they come.
Rhio catches Alex Windsor with a missile dropkick (rendered all the more devastating by a trash can) during the exceptionally violent 10-woman tag at RevPro’s latest anniversary event. (PHOTO BY SCOTT LESH)
ASHLY: Looking at your resume, your match in August for the 12th Anniversary of RevPro featured what was easily one of your best matches of the year: the no-DQ 10-woman tag team match. Do you find it’s harder to create a memorable and maybe cleaner match with so many opponents?
RHIO: The 10-woman tag at RevPro for their 12th anniversary was very special. A match of that caliber is definitely not an easy task, but I feel everyone in that match was so different, so everyone showed out in their own unique way. When you have so many experienced and talented people in one match, it does make it easier. We also had an amazing person who helped and supported us. (Thank you, Will Ospreay.)
ASHLY: Wrestling fans can agree your career trajectory is amazing to watch. What’s next for you?
RHIO: I’m so proud of my career trajectory so far, and I plan on keeping the momentum going and the good times rolling. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I’m very excited for my future. I’m going to keep working hard and be open to every opportunity that is presented to me.
Hailing from Northern Ireland and Scotland, respectively, the former WWE stars (and longtime fan favorites of the U.K. wrestling scene) have purchased the leading BritWres promotion along with its U.S. partner group, DEFY Wrestling.
SPOTLIGHT MATCH: Lee Moriarty vs Cheeseburger (“The Exhibition,” Labor of Love, 4/25/26) The longest-reigning Pure champion in Ring of Honor history makes another remarkable defense in the city that ROH once called home. TEXT BY LIZZY FLANAGANPHOTOS BY KEVIN McELVANEY SINCE… Read more: PURE ARTISTRY: Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger Is A Must-See Wrestling Match
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![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-2-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-9-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-4-600x541.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-5-494x600.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-7-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-8-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-10-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-11-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-12-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-13-600x400.jpg)
![Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]](https://pwi-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/leeVScheese-14-600x400.jpg)
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